The City of Toronto Proposes a New “Green Roof” By-law

Summary

The City of Toronto is proposing to enact a by-law requiring “green roofs”. This By-law, and green roofs more generally, have both been the subject of considerable discussion. Concerns have been expressed by developers that the costs associated with the requirements are prohibitive and that questions about whether and how these roofs can be constructed are being swept aside. On the other hand, supporters of the initiative complain that the By-law has been “watered down” and contains too many exemptions.